The Smokies are a playground for outdoor exploration, and while traveling to the region, it’s important to start your day with a boost of energy. Having a good and substantial breakfast will get you ready with the right dose of stamina you need to engage in all the activities awaiting you.
Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the surrounding areas are brimming with excellent options for a morning fix. From hidden gems to local treasures, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to classic Southern breakfast and all-time favorite classics.
In this blog, we have curated a list of the best breakfast spots in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding areas for you to have a memorable dining experience and start the day on the right foot.
Rise and shine, it’s time for an egg-cellent breakfast.
Top Breakfast Spots in Gatlinburg, TN
Log Cabin Pancake House
Pancakes for breakfast? That’s always a good idea! Since 1976, the Log Cabin Pancake House has been winning the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its traditional Southern breakfast and its fluffy, flavorful, and moist pancakes.
The star of their menu is the Plain Old-Fashioned Pancakes served with house-whipped margarine and signature syrup. The best accompaniment? A cup of hot coffee, or two, since they offer you a free refill for a good caffeine fix.
The ambiance is extremely cozy with a lovely countryside feel to it, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier. Patrons also praise Log Cabin’s generous servings made with care and reasonable prices.
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is not only a breakfast spot; it’s also a historical place that has been around since the late 1800s when David C. “Crockett” Maples, a soldier in the Tennessee cavalry, and his wife began serving home-cooked meals to travelers.
Still in full operation, this local treasure serves mouthwatering Appalachian-inspired dishes like the Signature Corned Beef Hash Breakfast, Grandma Hattie’s French Toast, The Black Bear Camp Skillet served with the house Cherokee sweet corn pone, grits, hunt camp potatoes, biscuit, sausage gravy and griddle cake — a true breakfast for champions. A must-try is the Aretha Franklin pancakes, a secret recipe served with whipped butter & warm maple syrup.
Make sure to take a seat by the fireplace and let the restaurant’s ambiance transport you somewhere else with its old mountain charm. Everything gets even better because of the staff’s amazing Southern hospitality, large portions, and reasonable prices.
Timber’s Log Cabin Restaurant
Eat like a local at Timber’s Log Cabin Restaurant, a charming cabin with only five indoor tables and a few outdoor seats serving cooked to perfect all-time favorites.
There’s nothing better than kickstarting your day by ordering some highlights of their menu like biscuits and gravy, and the french toast breakfast, both served with Timber’s signature bacon — a secret recipe that makes locals and visitors come back. Most dishes also come with a side of house potatoes or cheesy grits that are irresistible.
The intimate and warm mountain atmosphere adds to the dining experience and you’ll start the day on the right foot when the cook starts singing some 1960s rock and roll songs while preparing your meal.
Extra tip: Timber’s is located in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community of Gatlinburg, a charming little village where you’ll find amazing southern craftsmanship. After breakfast, it’s a good idea to take a stroll through the shops, chat with the sellers, and buy some unique souvenirs.
Wild Bear Tavern
Blending Southern allure with authentic German cuisine, Wild Bear Tavern is an excellent way to start your day in Gatlinburg. With its rustic, country-style atmosphere and amazing food, this place will put you in the right mood to explore the Smokies.
The breakfast menu includes classics like flapjacks, biscuits, crêpes, and customizable omelets. The pancakes with a European touch are a big hit, such as the Black Forest and apple strudel pancakes. A top choice on their menu is the German breakfast served with three eggs, smoked sausage, Leberkäse, Brätwurst, Swiss cheese, and a serving of molasses bread — an absolute must!
While dining at Wild Bear Tavern, you’ll feel the Bavarian allure right in the Smokies thanks to their decor and German flavors.
Top Breakfast Spots in Pigeon Forge, TN
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast
A favorite among both locals and visitors, this locally owned and operated eatery serves up a delightful breakfast with portions large enough to share.
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast is a local favorite serving large, shareable portions of hearty food. The all-day breakfast menu offers a wide variety of options like made-from-scratch pancakes (including gluten-free pancakes), omelets, French toast, Belgian waffles, crepes, and burritos. If you want a breakfast option to get fully energized, order one of their Breakfast Platters — The Forge and Sawyer’s Mountain Man are top choices!
If you need a caffeine fix, their coffee is excellent and is served in cute coffee mugs. The staff is very attentive, and the classic American dining setting is the cherry on top of the pie for a pleasant morning meal.
Lil Black Bear Cafe
This is an off-the-beaten-path spot, mostly known by locals, serving comforting American breakfast in a small, unpretentious, yet homey space.
They have just a few options on their menu, ensuring that every dish is perfectly prepared with the best quality and freshness. Hot golden pancakes, French toast, and breakfast platters are classics everyone will love. But make sure to try the Patty Melt — simply to die for! Don’t forget to ask for a mug of hot black coffee, and you’re covered with a heartwarming morning meal.
The moment you step in, you’ll feel the welcoming atmosphere. The staff and the owner of Lil Black Bear will make sure you feel like you’re eating in the comfort of your own house.
Mama’s Farmhouse
Looking for a breakfast that will energize you for a full day of exploration in the Smokies? Don’t think twice before picking Mama’s Farmhouse as your breakfast spot. This family-owned, all-you-can-eat eatery serves traditional Southern recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Mama’s Farmhouse is named after the Johnson Family’s great-grandmother, known as Mama, who used to cook the dishes that grace their delicious menu. Options include tempting chocolate gravy, hash brown casserole, chicken tenders, and buttermilk biscuits. The latter is a winning recipe of the People’s Choice Award and the International Biscuit Festival. All beverages like orange juice, chocolate milk, coffee, tea, and lemonade have free refills.
The all-you-can-eat is family-style, which means the food will be brought to your table by the cheerful and attentive staff. If you feel like eating more, you just have to ask. This is their way to make you feel at home, avoid waste, and ensure that everything served is fresh.
Top Breakfast Spots in Sevierville, TN
Elvira’s Cafe
Another hidden gem in the Smoky Mountains, Elvira’s Cafe is located in Wears Valley where you can have breakfast on their lovely porch, admiring gorgeous views and feeling the pleasant mountain breeze. The dishes are all homemade and prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
All of Elvira’s sandwiches are simply amazing and classic, like hashbrown casserole, chicken waffles with spiced honey, and eggs and bacon, which will satisfy every hungry early bird. However, the big stars of their menu are the sweet and savory crepes — the Breakfast Scrambler and Fried Apples crepes are unbeatable!
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen
Combining farm-to-table dining with top-notch Southern cuisine, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in their rustic-chic space.
The breakfast menu offers a variety of egg dishes, casseroles, sweet breads, and much more. Their cinnamon roll is a sensation among patrons — covered in a tasty sweet cream icing. They are so popular that since 2018, more than 100,000 have been sold, and you should definitely contribute to this statistic.
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen’s atmosphere embodies the essence of a Southern farmhouse, with vintage and rustic charm, fireplaces, and mountain-inspired decor.
Our Top Breakfast Spots in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg & Beyond
While in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and around, a good and hearty morning meal is all you need to get ready for a full day exploring all the beauty the Smokies have to offer. The options we mentioned above go the extra mile, offering not only amazing food but also beautiful settings, friendly service, and that pleasant feeling of being in a true Smoky Mountain gem.
For more tips on what to do during your visit to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head to our destination blog. We cover a wide range of topics, including the best places to have dinner and lunch in town, what to do if it rains, and even a vacation reading list for when you visit the Smokies. It’s all there, and we’re constantly updating with even more content!
Where to stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Look no further!
Our rental cabins provide the ideal blend of privacy, stunning mountain views, and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a truly relaxing escape in the Smokies.
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer cabins of various sizes and amenities, including hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Explore our website to discover our fantastic range of cabin choices.
We’re dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best possible experience in the Smokies. With Smoky Mountain Holiday, your vacation memories are guaranteed to be unforgettable.